The City of Carlsbad is set to enhance its law enforcement capabilities with the introduction of a new drone program, as outlined by Police Lieutenant Sean Lawton during the Community-Police Engagement Commission Meeting on July 28, 2025. This initiative aims to improve public safety and operational efficiency for the police department.

Lieutenant Lawton provided an overview of the drone program, explaining that drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), serve as aerial platforms equipped with cameras to assist in various law enforcement tasks. The program was developed in response to a significant incident in 2017, where the SWAT team faced challenges during a large-scale search operation. The introduction of drones is expected to provide safer and more effective surveillance capabilities, especially in situations where traditional helicopters may be unavailable due to weather conditions.

The police department's drone operators are certified under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, holding a Part 107 license, which allows them to operate drones for commercial purposes. This certification process ensures that all pilots are trained to fly safely and comply with airspace restrictions, particularly given the proximity of Paloma Airport in Carlsbad.

Lieutenant Lawton highlighted the evolution of the drone program, which began with a few models and has expanded to include a variety of drones with advanced technology. The department is currently exploring options to transition to more American-made drones, addressing concerns regarding the use of foreign-manufactured equipment.

As the program develops, the Carlsbad Police Department anticipates that the integration of drones will significantly enhance their operational capabilities, ultimately benefiting the community by improving response times and situational awareness during critical incidents. The next steps will involve further training for operators and the implementation of the drones in various law enforcement scenarios.